Autopilot:  We install a whole new integrated autopilot system.  This autopilot is specifically built for large helicopters, has been extensively tested, is FAA certified, and is the most affordable autopilot available.

The man behind this new autopilot has been designing autopilots for 25+ years.  His previous company became the dominate autopilot in the FAR Part 23 general aviation aircraft market.  It was installed as OEM equipment by most of the OEMs and also had a very large part of the retrofit market.  After selling that company to a major vendor several years ago, a new company has been formed to design and manufacture FAR Part 25 autopilot systems with a strong focus on helicopters.  The first system for light helicopters was released a couple of years ago.  The system for heavy helicopters will be released imminently.  The first customer is a government installation into a fleet of heavy helicopters.  Information from our avionics experts on this system is that it is the best in the world---better than even the systems in the top business aircraft.  The design and quality of the system is superior to all.  For example---the first prototype actuator has been on the test bench for three years operating 24/7 and has over 900,000 cycles on it with no leaks or issues.  This system includes, AHRS, SAS, Autopilot, & Flight Director.  The end result is a package system that is designed to interface with nearly all avionics systems, is very easy to program to the flight characters of the helicopter / mission, is Western made with great service and support from the U.S., costs a fraction of competing systems, and comes from a proven leader in the autopilot business.

The system that we are recommending is a 4 Axis, five servo SAS/Flight Director/Auto Pilot system configuration design heavy helicopters like the MI-8/17.

NAV/COMM:  Dual Universal FMS units with GPS are installed.  Integrated COMM management units and comm radios are installed. 

 

EVS: A forward looking infrared system can be installed for low visibility / night time operations.  The IR picture can be displayed on the center MFD or on either / both pilot's NDs.  For off airport operations this adds a big safety factor to the operation.

Installation:  The avionics shop we are partnered with for this project is highly experienced in doing specialized avionics upgrades that most shops aren’t able to handle. They are both an EASA and FAA approved shop. The owner is highly respected and holds a position on the NBAA (National Business Aircraft Association) avionics advisory board. They provide avionics support and certification for the airframe OEMs. They are also involved in projects with other special mission’s operators / contractors. This is the right company for this project.

Other equipment can also be installed at the same time. On multiply aircraft orders, install kits and teams can be sent to the customer's location for installation.

Please contact us for more information and to schedule your upgrade.

Features:

Four Universal EFI-890R EFIS screens---helicopter certified

• Universal FMS / GPS
• TAWS
• TCAS
• AHRS
• Flight Director
• Synthetic Vision
• Enhanced Vision
• New Western Autopilot--Fully Coupled
• Touchscreen Mission MFD
• NVG Compatible

This upgrade gives you a state of the art avionics system in a great helicopter.  This system increase reliability, situational awareness, and safety.

EFIS:  The Universal 890R is a leading avionics retrofit system in turbine aircraft.  They have the best synthetic vision system in the industry.  The system is fully helicopter tested and certified.  Multiply screen configurations can be chosen.

MFD:  The center MFD is a touchscreen and multi-window configurable display.  It is already used by the OEM and built by the same company that manufactures all the glass for some of the major U.S. avionics OEMs. Display sizes available range from 5 inch to 24 inch. All offer the user great ease of operation.